GUWAHATI: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Monday inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 projects worth ₹50 crores under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Guwahati, Assam.
As part of the event, the minister launched India’s first organic fisheries cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim, under the PMMSY initiative. This development is intended to promote organic fisheries and aquaculture in alignment with Sikkim’s organic farming practices, aiming to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly production.
The cluster will incorporate ecological fish farming methods, avoiding harmful chemicals and promoting minimal environmental pollution. This approach supports sustainable production, mitigates ecosystem damage, and aligns with market trends favoring organic products. Key fish species, including amur carp, will form part of this initiative.
NABARD will support the cluster by funding infrastructure, building capacities, and forming fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs). Under this framework, production and processing clusters will be developed in key areas such as freshwater aquaculture, brackish-water fisheries, ornamental fisheries, and organic fisheries, addressing region-specific needs.
The North Eastern Region is prioritized as a key area for fisheries development. The region’s freshwater resources and aquatic biodiversity support efforts to increase inland fish production and boost economic development. Investments of ₹2,114 crore have been made in the NER through initiatives such as the PMMSY, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund, and the Blue Revolution Scheme.
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